In the past week, two people have commented on my new collection of short fiction, Elephants in the Room, which was beautifully published by Shadowpaw Press in Regina. One of them: “I haven’t finished your book, but I’ll get there. It’s such a quiet book.” The other: “What I like about your writing is that it’s quiet.” There’s a word that I don’t remember from reviews of my previous books. I went back to re-read a few reviews and descriptions of this new one. Frequent adjectives for both subject and writing style: gentle, quiet, soft-spoken, unspoken, tender. Is there another book that comes to mind? Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon. There is a quiet old lady, to whom we say goodnight– “good night to the old lady whispering ‘hush’ “ A gentle, quiet, tender, book, and one that I’ve given to scores of children as gifts. The adjectives are flattering, appreciated, in describing my style, but not what I felt or intended when I wrote the stories. A close friend with whom I had a conversation about “the words” assures me that this book does not sound like a farewell, a “good night.” Sigh of relief. This old lady is not whispering hush!

But then how does one attract attention from readers who will go beyond the promise of a gentle style? I grew up in a time and culture where “promotion” of oneself was deemed to be bragging, and verboten. Ask your grandmother and she could find chapter and verse to settle the matter.

Proverbs 27: 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger and not thine own lips. Granny could point to a whole lot of other “though shalt nots” in The Book, when she needed them. My own contemporary interpretations of religious text would have her eyes rolling.

From the lips of my mother, a lot of life was bound by “what will people think?” Modesty and humility, high on her list, but accomplishment the ultimate goal.

Even at the amazing age I’ve just achieved, the word “promote” as it relates to my books and writing is cringe-worthy. So whose lips will do the job that is essential to a new piece of work—in my case, a new collection of stories released in November? Reviewers, readers, writing colleagues, my family to whom I was inclined to preach: Be Proud!

I’ve launched the book in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge, hosted by three fine indie book stores.

Shadowpaw Press has a contract with Mickey Mikkelson aka Creative Edge. I’m grateful to Mickey for all the opportunites he sends my way. I’ve done interviews, both online and for blogs, and written some pieces for magazines with which I had no acquaintance.

My favourite method of “promo” is connecting with readers. I have done dozens of visits to book clubs over the years of my writing. Each one has been a unique experience, and at many I’ve been surprised by reactions.

All of this dialogue just as lead-up to inviting myself to book club discussions. What will people think? All good, Mom. Modesty and humility not part of this process at all. Granny, I’m immune to King Solomon’s dictate.

I know that the best reviews and the greatest promotion I’ve had has come from readers. Do I write for the fame and fortune? Ha! Can you hear a chorus of writers laughing? I write to connect, and the more people with whom I connect the more satisfied I will be.

I’m selective in the books I buy, and get top marks as a patron to the Public Library. While I would never discourage anyone from buying my books, Elephants in the Room, is available at the Calgary Public Library (a good number of copies), the Edmonton CPL, Lethbridge CPL, and Toronto as well.

Also available on order from Owl’s Nest Books, Analog Books, Audreys Books, and available as e-book from Shadowpaw Elephants in the Room | Shadowpaw Press if that’s your preference.

I would enthusiastically welcome an invite to your book club, quite willing to travel to be with you if you’re an easy day trip, and available to Zoom.

Cheers from the old lady without any shush at all!